Amidst the dim lighting of the cramped, yet empty establishment, Yuuto's face was pallid, his eyes bloodshot from the incessant hours of staring at the computer screen at the internet cafe. He felt a sudden tickle in his nose, prompting him to bring a hand to his face just in time to catch a trickle of blood.
"Damn it," he muttered under his breath, swiping away the blood with the back of his hand, utterly indifferent to the rupture in his vein. He couldn't afford to care about such trivial matters right now.
His attention immediately shifted back to the task at hand, his fingers flying over the keyboard as he meticulously edited the evidence and voice lines into a coherent video. The ice bag that was supposed to soothe his battered body lay forgotten, slipped off from its position as he became engrossed in his work.
The footage on the screen displayed Kyoya's conniving grin, Haruto's mother's vulnerable expression, and Haruto's father's twisted sense of victory. As Yuuto pieced together the puzzle, the story began to unfold—a sinister plot orchestrated by Kyoya and Haruto's father to drive a wedge between Haruto and his mother.
The pain from his injuries and the exhaustion from the lack of sleep were just white noise in the background of his mind. He was fueled by a singular purpose—to make Kyoya pay.
'This is for you, Haruto. I'm going to make sure this bastard pays,' he thought, his resolve steeling as he continued his work, ignoring the fatigue that clawed at him and the blood that now stained his shirt. 'Baseballing Kyoya's ass... it's the least I can do. I'm doing it only for you, Haruto. Aren't I such a nice person? Aren't you glad you paid 10,000 yen for such premium service? Regarding Clause 9... I'll figure it out later. First comes beating the shit out of that scumbag.'
And with that, he pushed through, as the video slowly came together, piece by piece, ready to expose Kyoya for the predator he truly was.
Glancing at the clock, Yuuto noted the time, "4:30am... They'll be setting out for the hike soon. I've got to prepare." Pushing himself up from his chair, he attempted to stand, only to feel his legs give out beneath him, sending him crashing to the floor.
'Damn it... Not now, not again!' he grimaced, frustration boiling within him.
'Why? Why now, body?' he thought, his inner monologue taking a turn for the reproachful. 'You really want to give in to sleep at a crucial time like this? Do you actually want to witness someone else fall victim to NTR? No, I know you don't. So why are you acting so weak? Just because of a bit of damage and fatigue, you're going to collapse on me? I slept at least 2 hours every day, and this is what thanks I get?!'
'Don't make me pop another pill to keep you up... I fucking dare you to do that.'
Yet his body wouldn't listen just yet.
'Do you think neglecting sleep was MY choice, this past month?! NTR was happening right in-fucking-front of me... I'd be cursed forever by GOD and most importantly, MYSELF if I didn't do anything and JUST... SLEPT all the time.'
'...'
Exasperated and at his limit, Yuuto gritted his teeth and muttered through clenched jaws, "FINE, HAVE IT YOUR WAY!" His hand, fueled by a surge of determination, rummaged through his belongings until it found a mostly empty small pill bottle. With shaky hands, he opened it and swallowed a capsule, feeling the effects almost immediately.
His senses sharpened, and his fatigue momentarily pushed aside, Yuuto managed to push himself off the ground and stand up. His legs, though still weak, supported him just enough to stay upright. He took a deep breath, steadying himself, and whispered with a newfound resolve, "Don't worry. I'll let you sleep plenty when this is all over."
"Oh, right," Yuuto uttered as he turned around, facing the computer he was working on,
'I need to turn close the tabs and delete the history again... Oh, right, and the usb with everything. I'll need to take that to...'
And with that, he arranged the spot he was taking at the empty internet cafe, took his belongings and the USB device and left, heading for the mountains.
Aware of the potential consequences of his actions, Yuuto's thoughts took a darker, more unstable turn. The single-minded pursuit of his goal consumed him, leaving little room for rationality or concern for his well-being. All that mattered was making Kyoya pay for his deeds. The letters of Kyoya's name seemed to etch themselves into his mind, each one pulsating with the intensity of his obsession.
K
Y
O
Y
A
H
A
S
T
O
P
A
Y
.
Laughter, unhinged and maniacal, erupted from Yuuto's lips, echoing the chaotic state of his mind. "KE...Ke...KEHAHAHAHHA!! Ohhhh, the thrill of crushing an NTR antagonist... Oh, what a sight it will be! WHAT AN UNFORGETTABLE RUSH I'M ABOUT TO EXPERIENCE!!! I bet his face of utter defeat will be exceptionally satisfying, especially on that vile bastard..."
His laughter, unrestrained and wild, resonated through the quiet early morning air, capturing the attention of an elderly couple out for their daily stroll.
"Are you okay, young man...?" they inquired with evident concern, cautiously approaching him.
Abruptly, Yuuto's descent into madness paused as he turned his face towards them, a solitary tear trailing down his cheek.
"D-did you just ask... If I'm okay..?"
"Y-yes... You seemed quite distressed," they responded, their eyebrows furrowing in concern.
"Y-yeah... I was just... Thinking about... Umm..."
'Damn it, I let myself go too far...'
"About how... I miss my mom and my sisters. They're abroad on a vacation right now, my dad went after them and now I'm... All alone, I suppose... Not used to it." Yuuto managed to stammer out, his eyes adopting a distant look.
"O-oh, dear... Well, hold on strong! They'll be back before you even realize it!" the older woman reassured him with a gentle smile.
He offered them an awkward nod in return, "Yes, thank you."
Their concern for him evident, the couple exchanged a worried glance before continuing on their way, leaving Yuuto alone once again with his thoughts.
'Goddamn it. I'm slipping. I need to end it quickly.' To be fair, you were slipping since you began existing...
'CEASE. I gotta go now. The video editing took too long, I gotta rush up the mountain if I'm gonna make it in time.'
Yuuto, propelled by urgency, navigated the mountainous terrain with hurried steps. His legs, weary and unsteady, battled against the dirt and rocks beneath them. His body, burdened by an overwhelming sense of heaviness, and his head, tormented by a severe migraine, bore the brunt of a month's worth of sleep deprivation and relentless exertion. Each breath he drew was strained and ragged, a testament to his exhaustion. With blurred and unfocused vision, Yuuto relied on the guidance of his hands to make his way through the dimly lit landscape, the early morning hours yet to yield to the full brightness of day.
Baseball bat in hand, he sought refuge amongst the bushes, sitting on his knees in an uncomfortable position to keep himself awake, preparing himself for what was to come. A glance at his phone revealed the time: 4:53 am.
'And once they're separated, my moment will come. But...what exactly was the plan again? How... How was I going to separate them?'
His thoughts swirled in confusion, the exhaustion muddling his memory.
'Did I...forget the plan?'
Clutching the baseball bat tightly, he racked his brain for answers. A leaf brushing against his other hand which held the USB key jolted his brain.
'The video...right. Simplicity is key. I didn't make a plan because I didn't need one. Everything will fall into place as long as I'm just Anti-NTR Man.'
'I'll just ram my baseball up his ass and show her the evidence...'
His whole frame shook once more, uncontrollably.
"Just… gotta hold on… Just a little… longer," he mumbled to himself, fighting to keep his eyes open. 'When… when are they supposed to be here again? Did I… get here too early?'
He squinted at his phone again, trying to focus on the bright numbers. 4:58am.
'I can't sleep now… If I do, I'm out for the whole day… They're leaving around 5:45, right? No, wait… I need to stay up until 9:30… They'll be here in about an hour… Or was it 7:20? I...I need to…'
The bush beside him seemed almost welcoming, its leaves soft and not at all prickly. The gentle morning breeze carried the fresh scent of dew, cool against his skin. It felt safe here, hidden away, shielded from the cold and any potential dangers.
His mind grew fuzzier, thoughts becoming harder and harder to string together, until no thought could be conjured no more. His mind, too exhausted to speak - allowed room for the present to seep in.
"Wow, it's… it's so quiet," he whispered, almost in awe. His eyes took in the sight of the trees around him, the leaves rustling softly in the wind. He could feel the ground beneath him soft as a bed. Maybe even softer. The world felt alive, tangible in a way he'd never noticed before.
"Was... It always... this quiet? Can... Can you see it too?" he asked no one in particular, his voice barely above a whisper.
And then, he couldn't hold on any longer. His body gave in, collapsing into the bush, limbs splayed out as he fell onto the soft earth, his back against the tree he had been leaning on.
"Don't... Cry..."
"I'll... Get your momma back to you..."
"Just..."
"Leave..."
"It all..."
"To me..."
His consciousness slipped away, leaving him in the quiet embrace of the mountain.
------------KYOYA---------
'From the moment it started, it seemed almost too natural, like I had found my true calling.'
-----Kyoya, 15 years old----
"Hey, Minase! What the hell are you doing with him?!" He couldn't help but shout, his voice quivering as he witnessed Minase, his childhood friend, intertwined hands with me.
Her face turned a shade of red, her eyes flickering away from mine, unable to meet my gaze. But that childhood friend of hers, as well. "I-I'm so sorry, Yokkun... We—Kyoya and I—we've developed feelings for each other."
'Sorry' ? What are you sorry for? Is it really a fucking crime to go for me instead of that loser who shakes every time he's near a crowd? You didn't say sorry when we kissed, you didn't say sorry during our first time, but you're saying it now, in front of him? That fucking guy who treats you like you were his to play with or something? Like you were his Amagoon package he bought online?
"Don't you dare apologize. What on earth are you apologizing for? For finally finding someone better than a pathetic loser?" I spat out, my voice filled with venom.
"SHUT THE HELL UP!! You're just some... Street punk who just swooped in and stole her from me! She was mine… My…?" His voice faltered, uncertainty painting his face. Look at this guy... Those are his true feelings, Minase. He treated you like you were preowned. Someone who just wants to control your life.
"Yours? Yours what? Look at you; you can't even put a label on what you had. You never had the courage to make your move, and now you're throwing a tantrum?" I sneered, reveling in his misery. I wanted to see that fucker get hurt. The audacity...
"But we… We had something special!! Misaki, you know it's true!" He was practically begging now, his desperation evident.
"I'm… I'm really sorry…" Misaki muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Why... Why're you fucking apologizing?
--------------------------------------------------
'Witnessing that girl apologize for choosing me over that weakling—it was a revelation. It became crystal clear that so many of these so-called 'men' are nothing but cowards, too terrified to stake their claim - and these girls are just really good at pretense and playing the victim. At first, I found it amusing, a source of entertainment. Thinking back both of them pissed me off, so much that it was fun seeing them hurt. I liked it all. They both deserved to suffer, people like that. It ain't like I had a family to impress, so I figured why not go all out. I kept doing shit like that. Going after girls who are 'taken' and just watch the dude cry, blaming others rather than his own inaction. And every single girl... Every. Single. One, acted like she was some pure maiden, the victim... And I was the evil, evil, bad guy - for actually putting effort and seducing her like a man.'
'But I wasn't all that great at it... Not until I met Kazuki, at least.'
'Kazuki was a weird one. I saw him several times in a situation similar to mine and that Minase girl. I liked every moment, I liked how much fun he was having. Considering the shit he'd pull just to see other people squirm, it was hard getting close since he did illegal stuff. My interest peaked when he started charging money to separate students. MONEY. Students would pay him just to separate other students they were jealous of. I wanted to learn how he does it. Having fun while charging money... Imagine that?'
----Kyoya, 17 years-old---------
"Pfft, you actually sent the fake-boyfriend yours and that girl's sex tape while he was in front of you?! Won't you get in trouble with the police?" I asked that weird, snake-like fucker. I thought... He was enjoying making people like that suffer, just like me. I pretended to be one of those lame students who couldn't do shit on their own, and got close to him. He was my first friend.
My best friend.
"Police~..? Chekekek, my dear Kyoya, it seems like you're still green~... This girl lives in denial and lies to herself about how much of a slut she is. The boyfriend doesn't want others to see her 'sacred', naked body. So, he's apparently fine with just me seeing it~ kekekek!!" He laughed hysterically as we sat behind the building.
"Still, those students who paid for it might get a guilty conscience and tell someone."
"Naah, they're too scared to do shit on their own, and now you suggest they'd risk jail time? They'll keep their mouths nice and shut like good little lapdogs~...."
-----------------------------------------
I was utterly fascinated.
Kazuki had a remarkable ability to read people and adapt instantaneously, using it to his advantage. That man could have easily become a governor, or something even greater, with skills like that. However, the universe demanded balance, rewarding us with the pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others.
I found myself drawn to this way of life, following in his footsteps. I became his ally, and together, we sowed chaos wherever we went. It was exhilarating.
I wanted to be greater, aiming to transcend my current abilities. I immersed myself in books for the first time, as unbelievable as it sounds, absorbing a wealth of knowledge. My studies revolved around mastering the art of infiltrating people's minds and breaking them down from the inside. Seduction. I fancied myself a modern incarnation of an ancient Chinese general, strategizing and manipulating my way to victory.
An opportunity arose for us to prove our worth when we were tasked with seducing a Yakuza boss's wife in order to gain some leverage in favor of the opposing gang—and I succeeded. I felt as though I found some arcane wisdom, a forbidden knowledge that set me apart. Everything was the same. Kazuki, ever the hedonist, was never really cut out for leadership. He reveled in the pleasures of life and the accumulation of wealth. Recognizing the substantial profits from our latest endeavor, he decided that I was better suited to lead.
As time went on, our group expanded, welcoming more like-minded individuals, and our peculiar enterprise flourished. These guys were the dregs of society, the absolute worst of the worst. But at the very least, they were true to themselves. They knew exactly what they wanted: pleasure, wealth, and play with women as they saw fit. They were honest about their desires, starkly contrasting with other types of men—types like Haruto Narukami.
Honestly, I hate him more than anyone to date.
He never once glared at me or showed any signs of disapproval as I charmed his mother away from him, despite her being one of the few women genuinely worth the effort and the rage.
He never once tried to resist or reclaim what was 'his'.
He didn't put up a fight, didn't try to save her from me, and I wasn't even resorting to blackmail or threats.
What is his deal, seriously? Even now, I don't get it... His father's a piece of shit and his original mama died during childbirth. If I was him, I'd be doing much more messed up shit. Fuck, how'd we came up so different, me and him?
Regardless, I need to stay focused on the task at hand. All that matters is completing the job. Once this is over, I'll send all the accumulated evidence to that fucking drunkard of an ex of hers and wash my hands of her... permanently. Huh... Today might very well be the last time we meet.
Caught up in his thoughts, Himiko's voice, laced with concern, broke through his reverie. "What's wrong, Kyoya? Are you alright?"
Kyoya forced a smile "Y-yeah... Don't worry about it. Just a bit shook, I suppose."
"I'll hold you steady, then," she replied, her voice gentle, a comforting smile gracing her lips.
'... She is also an anomaly; she doesn't apologize, or create drama. Her demeanor is... refreshing. I admit, albeit grudgingly, that I found her company enjoyable—a pleasant deviation from the usual calculated interactions I'm used to... I'll savor this day as much's I can.'
Kyoya and Himiko were in the midst of a serene hike through the mountains, enjoying the fresh morning air and the tranquility that nature offered. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm glow over the landscape.
Just as they were rounding a bend in the trail, a figure appeared before them, panting heavily and drenched in sweat. It was Haruto, looking both exhausted and determined as he tried to catch his breath. Despite his state, he managed to give a polite nod and a shaky smile, muttering a quiet, "Hi."
Kyoya's instincts kicked in, preparing for a confrontation.
"Little bro? Whatcha doing here, you followed us?"
He anticipated anger, resentment, or despair from Haruto—any of the emotions one might expect from a man in his position. He thought to himself, 'Oh well, even a weakling like him was bound to snap at some point.'
However, what came next took him completely by surprise. Through his heavy breathing, Haruto looked directly at Himiko and asked, "Nah.. I guessed where you'd be, I suppose... Haha. Can I... Talk to Himiko for a sec?" His voice was polite, his demeanor awkward, yet there was a glimmer of resolve in his eyes.
For a moment, Kyoya was taken aback, his prepared retorts and defensive stance rendered unnecessary. "Yeah, sure," he responded, his tone laced with a hint of confusion.
Himiko, equally surprised and worried, exchanged a quick glance with Kyoya before turning her attention to Haruto. Her expression was a mix of concern and curiosity, clearly taken aback by his sudden appearance and the polite request that followed. The air was charged with tension, as all three individuals braced themselves for the conversation that was about to unfold.
"...Alone, if possible?" Haruto added, his voice barely above a whisper as a flush crept up his cheeks, his demeanor growing increasingly awkward and tentative.
Himiko nodded, albeit with a noticeable trace of hesitation in her movements. The two of them moved a bit away from Kyoya, finding a semblance of privacy amidst the vastness of the mountain.
"So, um, how have you been? What have you been up to?" Haruto asked, attempting to make conversation, though his voice wavered slightly.
"I've been good, actually. Kyoya, he's... he's a really good guy," Himiko responded, her voice steady, but there was a hint of defensiveness in her tone.
At her words, Haruto's body tensed ever so slightly, his smile faltering for a brief moment before he regained his composure, offering her a sad yet understanding smile that she failed to notice.
Himiko's eyes narrowed slightly as she continued, "But I don't understand, Haruto. Why didn't you ever call? You only ever sent messages... I was worried. I.. I can understand being bothered by my new relationship... But that's not a reason to... To just pretend I don't exist!"
Haruto seemed to falter, his eyes darting away as he avoided her piercing gaze.
"Well, I... I've been busy, and I thought..."
His voice trailed off, leaving his sentence unfinished, and Himiko's patience began to wear thin, though she maintained a calm exterior. "Haruto, why are you here? What did you come here to say?"
Haruto took a deep breath, his mind racing as he contemplated his next words. He could tell her everything—that Kyoya was a manipulator, that he was only with her because of a job he was paid to do by his father. That Haruto was working hard in the past month on himself. But he could see the happiness in her eyes, and he knew that revealing the truth would shatter her world. In a way, he felt that he had no right.
He made his decision. His voice soft, yet filled with sincerity, he looked into her eyes and said, "Himiko, I love you. And I'm glad... I'm glad you've found happiness with someone. That's all."
His words hung in the air between them, a bittersweet confession that left them both in a vulnerable silence.
Himiko offered a small, understanding nod, her expression softening as she misinterpreted Haruto's confession for a familial expression of love and concern. "Thank you, Haruto," she whispered gently, giving him a small, weak smile before turning around to walk back to Kyoya.
As she approached Kyoya, her footsteps light on the mountain path, she relayed the conversation to him. "Haruto... he just told me that he loves me. He's glad that I'm happy with you, I guess... That was important enough for him to come here..." She uttered, the shimmer in her life grew dimmer as she gazed at the soil.
Kyoya's eyebrows raised ever so slightly as he processed her words, a faint smirk playing on his lips. 'Wow. That's... That's just sad, little bro. Were it not for this job, I'd have taught you a thing or two about women. Really... Really doubt it woulda helped you, though. What a lost cause. I get why I hate you so much. It's because you really are more pathetic than anyone I've ever met.' Even he, with all his manipulations and schemes, couldn't help but feel a pang of pity for how utterly pathetic Haruto's attempt had been. Himiko was completely oblivious to any romantic implications, and Kyoya couldn't decide whether that was hilarious or just depressing.
Shaking his head slightly, Kyoya prepared to move on, ready to continue their day and leave the awkward encounter behind them. "Uhm, little bro won't be joining us, then?"
Himiko moved forward to the trail, not sparing a single look at Haruto. "... I guess not."
But just as they were about to take their next steps, Haruto's voice cut through the air, stopping them in their tracks.
"KYOYA." Kyoya then snapped his head, turning his gaze at Haruto.
"Kyoya, can I talk to you for a moment?" Haruto called out, his voice steady but there was an undeniable tension in the air. "Alone, if possible."
Kyoya fully turned around, an eyebrow raised in surprise. He exchanged a brief glance with Himiko, who looked just as taken aback as he felt, before nodding and making his way over to Haruto.
'Well, how about this...'
As he approached, Kyoya braced himself for whatever Haruto had to say, curious to see what the seemingly meek man had in mind.
"Whacha got, little bro?"